Jose Mourinho has form for using the EFL Cup as a catalyst for bigger successes. It was the first silverware he won in each of his two spells with Chelsea in 2005 and 2015, and his maiden trophy with Manchester United a year later. Both clubs went on to better things, and Mourinho will now be targeting the same after a 2-0 win over Brentford sealed Tottenham Hotspur's place in the Carabao Cup final and a chance to end the club's 13-year wait for major honours.
Mourinho, of course, has never been judged primarily on his record in this competition.